Australia vs India 2018, VVS Laxman
Virat Kohli (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

India’s former batsman VVS Laxman said India will start as red-hot favourites for the forthcoming series against Australia. The hosts are without the services of their talisman batsman Steven Smith and David Warner which has left a big void in their side. Thus, it is not going to be easy for Australia to fill in the big shoes.

Meanwhile, it is a perfect chance for India who has experience under their belt. However, the visitors will need to come up with a collective team. India had their chances on the England tour, although they could not apply the finishing touches. Indian team skipper Virat Kohli was the lone warrior on the England tour. Thus, India will need to pull up their socks in the batting department.

VVS Laxman | India |
VVS Laxman. Credit: Getty Images

Fine opportunity for India.

“Absolutely, India will start favourites in the Test series,” he agrees animatedly. “I feel that it is not only because Steve Smith and Warner are not there. But it is because this Indian side has the quality, and it is a settled side. The Australian side doesn’t look a settled bunch, especially in the batting department. Yes, they will miss Warner and Steve Smith, but that confidence level, the attitude and the approach you expect of an Australian player, an Australian team — the character of the Australian sides against whom I played — that character is not obvious in this Australian team,” VVS Laxman said while talking to Cricket Next.

Read More: Most Runs in IPL.

Read More  RCB vs KKR Match Preview- IPL 2024, Match 10

Laxman believes India has a settled squad and should come up roses in the Australian conditions. The former stylish batsman thinks the first match is going to be pivotal to take the right step in the series. The first Test match is going to set up the right pillar for both teams as it is going to build the impetus.

Australia vs India 2018, Sunil Gavaskar
(Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

“That’s why I feel that India has got a big chance because they are a settled unit and they will be confident. I firmly believe that the first Test will be most crucial. If the first Test goes in India’s favour and the Indian batsmen get amongst the runs, then I think it will be a series which India will win comfortably.”

Read More: Most Sixes in IPL.

This is a golden opportunity for the Indian team to savour success for the first time. The hosts are not in the best of forms and it would be a perfect chance for the visitors to come up good in Australia.

Cricket is my first love. I want to be a wordsmith. I want to weave magic with my words.